All... What the GSM folk are doing in the USA. At the quoted prices how long will it be before capacity constraints make CDMA overlay attractive? Also, AT&T must positively cringe at this stuff. -JLF
Powertel, Inc. Launches New Advertising
Campaign To Highlight Wireless Long
Distance Advantages
January 27, 1998
WEST POINT, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE) via Individual Inc. -- Jan. 26, 1998--Powertel, Inc.
(NASDAQ: PTEL), a leading wireless Personal Communications Service (PCS) provider
serving the southeastern United States, has launched a new advertising campaign
promoting its long distance plans. Through a series of newspaper ads and radio
commercials that tout its unlimited wireless long distance plans, Powertel believes
consumers will make a choice over landline phones to make long distance calls.
"In many cases, consumers and businesses can save money on long distance calling by
using Powertel's wireless PCS services over existing landline providers," said Mike
Bashaw, vice president of marketing for Powertel. "While we don't believe everyone will
replace their local phone with a wireless phone, we do believe many will make a
conscious choice to make long distance calls on a Powertel phone to save in long
distance charges.
"Another point we are trying to make is why pay several hundred dollars for a cordless
phone you can only use 600 feet from your house when you can purchase a Powertel
handset for less and use it across North America," Bashaw added. "This is a real value
to consumers."
Powertel's flat rate long distance plan is $5 per month for unlimited long distance calls to
any one state within Powertel's 12-state region or $15 per month for unlimited long
distance to all 12 states -- Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana,
Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri. South Carolina, and Tennessee.
Created by Pollak Levitt and Chaiet of Atlanta , the campaign features newspaper ad
headlines that include "Our States. Our Rates," " Our plan covers 12 states, 47 area
codes, 2 time zones and 4 kinds of barbecue and one low rate" and "Cheaper long
distance than your home phone? " The radio spots feature a lady organizing a family
reunion with family members in all 12 of the states served by Powertel; by the time she
calls everyone, she says that this "was cheaper and easier than trying to mail
invitations."
In a separate promotion, Powertel is offering Nokia 2190 PCS digital handsets for $99.95
-- a special that offers an additional $60 savings through a $30 handset rebate and a $30
activation credit. Among the 330 outlets where Powertel phones can be bought are 28
Powertel stores in 25 metropolitan markets and Circuit City, Office Max, Computer City,
Radio Shack, Best Buy and Office Depot. The Nokia 2190 special will run from January
25 to March 31 or as long as supplies last.
Powertel, Inc. is licensed to provide wireless PCS services in 12 states to a population of
more than 24 million people in major cities including Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus,
Birmingham, Chattanooga, Jackson, Jacksonville, Knoxville, Lexington, Louisville,
Macon, Memphis, Nashville and Savannah. With service in 24 operational markets and
along major connecting highway corridors spanning seven states, Powertel has the
largest contiguous PCS network in the southeastern United States. The company
utilizes GSM, the leading technology for digital wireless communications deployed in
110 countries with more than 60 million subscribers. Powertel offers consumers and
businesses a variety of compact handsets featuring a secure portable phone, voice mail,
short messaging and paging services and a range of affordable pricing plans without
contracts. For more information on Powertel and its products and services, visit the
company on its web site at:
powertel.com
Powertel is also a member of the North American GSM Alliance, a consortium of seven
major PCS carriers which offer GSM service throughout North America. Through the
GSM Alliance, Powertel will expand its services and reach to allow customers to use
their Powertel phones, data and fax equipment in most major metropolitan areas in the
United States, Canada, Europe, Asia and throughout the world. GSM Alliance members
include Aerial, Bell South Mobility DCS, Microcell Telecommunications, Omnipoint
Communications, Pacific Bell Mobile Services, Powertel, Inc., and Western Wireless. |
